Andes Virus Exposure and Nosocomial Transmission Events to Healthcare Personnel: A Systematic Review
Loukas Kakoullis, Erin Rebecca Carr, Jhony Baissary, Stephanie Friree Ford, Shinya Hasegawa, Jacob E Lazarus, Karen Brust, Erica S ShenoyAbstract
Background
Andes virus (ANDV) is a high-consequence infectious disease with substantial mortality. On May 2, 2026, the World Health Organization reported a multinational ANDV outbreak, raising questions regarding risk of transmission to healthcare personnel (HCP).
Methods
We performed a systematic review per PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO:CRD420261283806) for studies describing healthcare-associated ANDV exposure or transmission events to HCP.
Results
Eight studies reporting on 7 events were included, describing a total of 17 healthcare-associated cases. Overall, 207 individuals were exposed, including 118 HCP, resulting in 8 infections and 4 deaths among HCP. Studies describing HCP infections reported none or inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) use.
Conclusions
Transmission of ANDV to HCP has been reported in the setting of delayed implementation of transmission-based precautions or breaches in infection control practice. Limitations in published exposure events highlight the need for standardized reporting of exposure events and outcomes as well as infection prevention measures implemented.